FLORIDA-3 AIRBOAT

SEARCH & RESCUE

A Division of AIRBOAT SEARCH

& RESCUE, Inc

ABOUT US

                 Florida-3 Airboat Search & Rescue (FL3ASAR) is a search & rescue organization Based in Hillsborough County, Florida. FL3ASAR is a division of Airboat Search & Rescue, Inc (a non-for profit organization). FL3ASAR was formed after lessons learned in the aftermath of the flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Founding members that were present quickly realized the efficiency and capability of utilizing airboats to evacuate thousands of citizens stranded due to urban flooding. The airboats were not impeded by hazards that traditional boats encountered. Since there are no moving parts below the waterline, the airboats were able to maneuver through debris fields, operate in extreme shallows and even traverse dry land. The airboats were able to evacuate large numbers of citizens quickly.

Since Katrina, we have responded for calls for service beyond the scope of flood evacuation. We began receiving request to assist agencies for searches in rivers, lakes and swamps located from Ocala National Forest to the Florida Everglades and Florida Keys. While participating in these search missions, we also began to assist in ground based searches. Our capabilities had evolved from, a flood evacuation team to a full service search and rescue organization.

FL3ASAR now provides response in water based search, rescue and recovery operations utilizing airboats, underwater technologies (side scan sonar and infrared video) and K-9’s capable of scenting over bodies of water. We also provide ground search capabilities utilizing search and rescue technicians (SAR Techs I, II & III), ATV’s, amphibious vehicles, metal detectors, GPS, satellite imagery and K-9 teams capable of man tracking/trailing and human remains detection.

FL3ASAR is comprised of professionals from law enforcement, fire-rescue, military, government employees and private citizens that volunteer their off duty time and expertise to fulfill our mission.

Our mission is to save lives, locate the lost, reduce human & animal suffering following any manmade or natural disaster involving flooding.

In order to complete this mission safely, all members are screened and must complete required training prior to deployment. At a minimum, members must be certified in CPR/AED, NIMS compliant and complete swift water awareness. Members are strictly prohibited in participating in any operation that they have not been successfully trained and certified for. Members must utilize proper safety equipment and wear Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s) while near or in any body of water. Members are responsible for maintaining all professional certificates and licenses. All airboat operators must successfully complete a U.S. Department of Interior sanctioned airboat operator course and be licensed as a United States Coast Guard Captain.

FL3ASAR is an additional resource available to any requesting local, state or federal agency. In order to best serve requesting agencies, we adhere to NIMS core curriculum and Incident Command Systems as established in the National Response Plan as mandated for all federal agencies by Presidential Order. This enables us to respond to any incident and be directed by the incident commander. All members must adhere to our code of conduct and sign nondisclosure agreements. Any press releases regarding any details of an operation and/or FL3ASAR’s involvement will only be made with the approval of the requesting agency. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and is demonstrated by our appearance, conduct and capabilities.